The Alzheimer’s Association and Silver Angels will host a “Caregiver Appreciation Day” on Thursday, Sept. 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the Jasper Courthouse Square.
This event is free and open to the public. Hot dogs and soft drinks will be served and guests will have a chance to win door prizes.
“We want this to be a real celebration,” says Amy French, program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association. “The entire community is invited to join us. Folks need to know we are there to support them and that they are appreciated.”
In Tennessee alone, more than 400,000 caregivers provide a total of over 470 million hours of unpaid care for loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s disease. “Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia is one of the greatest challenges one can face,” said Ms. French. “These caregivers are definitely unsung heroes, although they do not see themselves as such. They are simply doing what has to be done to be sure their loved one is taken care of.”
In case of rain, the celebration will be held at Silver Angels, at 12 Courthouse Square in Jasper.
The Alzheimer’s Association offers a monthly support group for Alzheimer’s caregivers in Marion County. The group meets the second Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Silver Angels. As a result of the stress related to Alzheimer’s care, ongoing support for the caregiver is vitally important, officials said.
For more information about this event or about Alzheimer’s disease contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 800.272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/tn